KARYOPHERINS Meaning and
Definition
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Karyopherins, also known as importins and exportins, are a class of proteins that mediate the transport of molecules in and out of the cell nucleus. The nucleus is a crucial organelle within the cell that houses the genetic material and controls various cellular processes. However, the nucleus is surrounded by a double membrane called the nuclear envelope, which acts as a barrier, preventing the free movement of molecules in and out of the nucleus. To overcome this barrier, cells employ karyopherins as transporters.
Karyopherins generally consist of two major classes: importins and exportins. Importins facilitate the transport of molecules into the nucleus, whereas exportins assist molecules in being transported out of the nucleus. These proteins recognize specific receptor proteins on the nuclear envelope, called nuclear pore complexes. Nuclear pore complexes are large protein structures that span the nuclear envelope, creating channels that regulate the transport of molecules.
The process of nuclear transport mediated by karyopherins is highly regulated and essential for maintaining proper cellular function. It enables the translocation of various molecules, including proteins, RNA, and ribonucleoprotein complexes, between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. By transporting molecules bidirectionally, karyopherins play a crucial role in processes such as gene expression, DNA replication, and cell signaling.
Overall, karyopherins act as key regulators of nuclear transport, ensuring the proper spatial organization and coordinated functioning of the cell by facilitating the movement of molecules across the nuclear envelope.
Common Misspellings for KARYOPHERINS
- jaryopherins
- maryopherins
- laryopherins
- oaryopherins
- iaryopherins
- kzryopherins
- ksryopherins
- kwryopherins
- kqryopherins
- kaeyopherins
- kadyopherins
- kafyopherins
- katyopherins
- ka5yopherins
- ka4yopherins
- kartopherins
- kargopherins
- karhopherins
- karuopherins
- kar7opherins
Etymology of KARYOPHERINS
The word "karyopherins" is derived from the combination of two Greek terms: "karyon" meaning "nucleus" and "phoros" meaning "carrier" or "transporter". The term "karyopherins" was initially coined to refer to a class of proteins involved in the transportation of molecules in and out of the nucleus of cells. These proteins act as carriers, facilitating the movement of molecules such as RNA, proteins, and other substances across the nuclear envelope.
